The team has traditionally struggled at high-speed circuits in the past, with both Vettel and teammate Mark Webber retiring from the Italian Grand Prix last season. However, Red Bull have bounced back this season by winning at other high-speed tracks such as Montreal and Spa, but Vettel was still not convinced they would carry this form over to Monza.

“The car was fantastic so far, I think better than what we could expect. In the end, it’s a bit of a surprise to have both cars on the front row at a place where historically we’ve had bad years.”

As surprised as Vettel may have been, he finished quickest in all three qualifying sessions today, posting a fastest time of 1:23.755 late on to secure his fourth pole position.

This result also marks the fortieth pole position of Vettel’s career, with just two drivers having more starts from P1 than the German driver. Further to that, this is Red Bull’s fiftieth pole position since joining the sport in 2005.

Judging by his practice form, it is difficult to see Vettel not winning the race on Sunday, yet he will be all too aware of the pace of his teammate, Mark Webber, who joins the three-time world champion on the front row at Monza.